'Call me crazy:' Phillips wants to stay

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BRUCE GARRIOCH, QMI Agency

Feb 16, 2011

, Last Updated: 6:12 PM ET

Chris Phillips made a passionate plea to stay in Ottawa Wednesday.

Even after watching teammates Mike Fisher and Chris Kelly shuttled out the door for draft picks as the rebuilding process begins, the veteran defenceman said he doesn’t want to be dealt at the Feb. 28 trade deadline.

“I do (want to be part of the rebuild) and I know people will call me crazy for saying that,” said Phillips, drafted No. 1 overall in 1996 by the Senators. “I think you need some veteran guys that have been around to help and guide young guys coming in.

“I’m OK and would take on that responsibility, along with a couple of guys who have been here for a long time. It’s not the easiest thing to do and there could be some growing pains with that, but that is a possibility and if that ends up happening, then you make the most of any situation.”

Phillips, 32, hasn’t played for anybody else in his NHL career — suiting up for 920 games with the Senators.

Armed with a no-movement clause, Phillips, who is making $3.5 million this season, hasn’t given GM Bryan Murray an indication either way on what he intends to do if the Senators want to trade him.

If he wants to stay, it’s possible Phillips, an upcoming free agent, is going to have to take a pay cut. This has the potential to be a public relations nightmare if he’s dealt against his wishes.

Barry is prepared to talk extension with Murray if the club wants to present a new deal, but the Senators aren’t sure what direction they want to take and these latest moves indicate a big rebuild with lower spending by owner Eugene Melnyk.

Phillips said the deals involving Fisher and Kelly in the last week have made him think about his own situation.

“Yes, but I don’t know what that means,” said Phillips. “I don’t know if there’s more room for me or more chance of being asked to go. I’m really not sure.

“We’ll see. It really is a day at a time here. I’m thinking about a lot of things, but it’s been pretty much status quo in terms of my own situation.”

There is lots of interest in Phillips on the market. The Bruins, Sharks, Rangers, Canucks and Habs all want defencemen. Right now, Toronto D Tomas Kaberle and St. Louis D Eric Brewer are muddying the waters, which means Phillips may be a deadline-deal move.

A source said part of the reason Phillips hasn’t been dealt is Murray has been demanding a first-round pick in return — a heavy price for anybody to pay.

Phillips has been seeking advice from close NHL friends and retired players about his course of action.

“There’s still lots that can happen, so before I do make a decision, I just have to inform myself of what the possibilities and scenarios are and then try to make the right decision,” he said.